Nelma Louise Fuller's Obituary
Nelma Louise Fuller, age 90, of Mystic, Iowa, died Monday, June 6, 2011 at Mercy Medical Center in Centerville, Iowa. She was born the daughter of John and Jennie (Swanson) McGrann on November 13, 1920 in Mystic, Iowa. She graduated from the Mystic High School in 1938.Following attendance at Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls, Iowa, she began her teaching career at the May School in rural Appanoose County. During World War II, she moved to Des Moines, Iowa, continuing her education at Drake University and working at the 842nd Specialized Army Air Forces Depot at the State Fair Grounds. In 1945, she was united in marriage to Delbert Davis at the United Methodist Church in Mystic, Iowa. Their son Eric was born in 1948. After her husband was transferred to Japan, Nelma along with their son, Eric, moved to Japan as well, living in Sagamihara and Yokohama. During their years in Japan, Nelma was enrolled at Sophia University in Tokyo. She was active in church, the Order of the Eastern Star, the Yokohama Women's Club and taught classes to Japanese war brides. When the family returned to the United States, Nelma attended Northeast Missouri State in Kirksville, Missouri to earn her Masters Degree and in 1966, began teaching English at Centerville High School. Her husband, Delbert passed away that year. In 1974, Nelma was united in marriage to John Fuller and they were later divorced. Nelma enjoyed working in the United Methodist Church at Mystic, Iowa, where she was lay leader until the church closed and she transferred her membership to the First United Methodist Church in Centerville, Iowa. During her retirement, she taught at Centerville High School and Indian Hills Community College, was very active in Mercy Hospital Auxiliary, a member of Outlook Study Club and Bellair Progressive Club.She was preceded in death by: her parents; husband, Delbert Davis in 1966; brother, Max McGrann; sister, Wilma Zaputil and half-brother, William McGrann.Nelma is survived by: one son, Eric Davis and his wife, Jeannie Robbins of Camdenton, Missouri; on grandson, Jeremy Davis of Seattle, Washington; also by caring nieces and nephew, Jean and John Zaputil; half-sisters, Marjorie Pfannebecker and her husband, Derrill of Centerville, Iowa and Judy McDaniel and her husband, Steve of Mystic, Iowa; and half-brother, John McGrann and his wife Rose of Adel, IowaMemorial services will be held on Friday, June 10, 2011 at 11 am at the First United Methodist Church in Centerville, Iowa with Rev. Terra Amundson officiating. Burial of ashes will follow at the Highland Cemetery in Mystic, Iowa. Visitation will be held on Friday at the church from 9 am until the time of services.Memorials can be made to the First United Methodist Church and can be left at or mailed to the funeral home. The To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Nelma Louise Fuller please visit our Sympathy Store.
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